Hurricane Ophelia strengthens as it moves toward Ireland, U.K.

LONDON – Wind gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph) may lash the United Kingdom and Ireland as the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia hit the British Isles, the two countries’ weather services warned Saturday.

Ireland’s Met Eireann weather service issued a “status red” warning for the western Irish counties of Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry. It said Ophelia could bring winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and gusts of more than 80 mph (130 kph) Monday, with the potential for structural damage, high seas and flooding.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Ophelia strengthened Saturday from a Category 2 to a Category 3 hurricane, with peak winds near 115 mph (185 kph.) The centre said it is likely to weaken by the time it hits land on Monday and Tuesday.